Category 7 (Cat7) and Category 7a (Cat7a) are the newest cable standards for Ethernet and other interconnect technologies. Cat 7 cable was developed with strict specifications on crosstalk and EMI protection. Cat 7 cable features four individually shielded pairs as well as an overall cable shield to protect the signals from crosstalk and EMI. Cat7 cable provides a copper solution for 10-Gigabit Ethernet at 100 meters.

Cat7 and Cat7a cabling will be used for backbone connections between servers within a data center. This provides a high-speed interconnect used for data transfer within the network.

Cat7 and Cat7a cable are designed to support much higher frequency signals than Cat5e and Cat6. This allows Cat7 and Ca7a cabling to carry a larger amount of information.
Cat7 and Cat7a cable are also able to better protect the signals traveling over the cable.The shielding as well as the tighter twists of the pairs in Cat7 and Cat7a cable lessens the effects of crosstalk and EMI.